The saying, ‘dare to be exceptional’, is tied to a lot of meaning. It is used as a motto that encourages children to think best of themselves, not to follow the bad trend, not to join the bad gang or to succumb to peer pressure. It is used to prompt children to be different in their perception, their disposition, and their approach to life. It is an axiom that encourages children to push themselves, to aim higher, and to excel in life.
Beyond this, Dare to be Exceptional also means thinking about yourself in a certain way, in a way different from others’ perception of you. This simply means being you and allowing yourself to be different from who you think you are and who others think you are. You may think of yourself as an average student, an anxious boy or girl, a shy or timid person, or any personality that has confined you from excelling. Do you limit yourself by these thoughts? Are you hindered by them?. Even when these facts seem factual, you are still exceptional in your peculiar nature and must dare to make the best out of it.
Normalise accepting the fact that you’re exceptional and always be comfortable with it. Predict yourself, align your thoughts to your actions, bulldoze any perceived obstacles, accommodate changes, brainstorm on ideas, and watch your growth sprout. With a mental disposition to be exceptional, it is easier to reach a higher potential and make a difference in your world.
Dare to be exceptional also means finding the edge and pushing past it. It means standing alone sometimes in a place where your unique creative mind can thrive. It means going against the norms and having the guts to thrive differently. It means taking the provocative and unexpected risks. It means looking beyond your limits and acting beyond your capacity.
You may be labelled and excluded, you may be hated and bullied, you may be castigated and insulted. These are capable of preventing you from being your best or feeling unsafe, but with confidence and self-belief, you can dare to be exceptional.
Find out what makes you different, follow your path, conquer your insecurities, allay your fears, vanquish your doubts, empower your thoughts, embrace changes, boost your self esteem, break past social pressures, let loose your kindness, harness your potential, and you have dared to be exceptional.
Amara Ann Unachukwu
